Comparative Clinical Outcomes of Pediatric Patients Presenting With Eyelid Nodules of Idiopathic Facial Aseptic Granuloma, Hordeola, and Chalazia

Abstract

Purpose: To present the clinical features of the eyelid nodules observed in a newly determined dermatologic disorder, idiopathic facial aseptic granuloma (IFAG), and to compare them with children having acute hordeolum and chalazion.

Methods: Duration of the lesion, localization, presence of coexisting facial nodules, management strategies, and response time to topical/oral antibiotics were retrospectively reviewed in 50 children with IFAG, acute hordeolum, or chalazion.

Results: Fourteen children with one or more IFAG nodules on their eyelids, 28 children with one or more acute hordeolum, and 8 children with one or more chalazion were examined. Children with IFAG on their eyelids and face presented earlier than children with acute hordeolum (P = .006). The duration of this lesion was similar among patients with IFAG on their eyelids and acute hordeolum (P = .53). Duration of the lesion and treatment response time were shorter in children with IFAG on their eyelids and face (P = .004) than in those with IFAG on their eyelids (P = .013). The lesions of patients with chalazion had a longer duration compared to those with IFAG on their eyelids (P = .005), IFAG on their eyelids and face (P < .001), and acute hordeolum (P = .04). Twenty patients with acute hordeolum recovered after topical antibiotics and had a similar treatment response time to those with IFAG on their eyelids and face (P = .06) and those with IFAG on their eyelids (P = .16).

Conclusions: IFAG should be considered in the differential diagnosis of painless eyelid nodules in children. Because IFAG on the eyelids has many overlapping features with hordeola/chalazia, its differentiation may be difficult in the absence of accompanying facial granulomas. Chronic subepidermal eyelid nodules resembling skin abscess should alert clinicians for IFAG. Because IFAG responds well to oral clarithromycin, unnecessary surgical interventions should be avoided in these cases. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2016;53(4):206-211.].